Dehradun: Uttarakhand, the Land of the Gods, is set to script a new chapter in adventure tourism. Under the directives of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), in coordination with the Uttarakhand Forest Department, has fully opened 83 major mountain peaks in the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayan regions for mountaineering expeditions. This historic decision marks a significant step toward positioning Uttarakhand as a premier global mountaineering destination.

These peaks range in altitude from 5,700 meters to 7,756 meters and include several world-renowned and technically challenging summits. Prominent ones among them are Kamet (7,756 m), Nanda Devi East, Chaukhamba group, Trishul group, Shivling, Satopanth, Changabang, Panchachuli, Neelkanth, and many others. These iconic peaks are celebrated not only for their breathtaking natural beauty and technical difficulties but also as living symbols of the grandeur of the Himalayas.

The primary objective of this initiative is to encourage young Indian mountaineers, promote adventure tourism, and strengthen the local economy. Led by Chief Minister Dhami, the move balances environmental conservation with economic growth.

Key Provisions for Mountaineers

• For Indian Mountaineers — Climbers from India will no longer have to pay any expedition fees (peak fee, camping fee, environmental fee, etc.) imposed by the state government for these 83 notified peaks. Previously, such charges were levied by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Forest Department, but the Tourism Department will now absorb this burden. This relief is especially motivating for young enthusiasts across the country who are passionate about adventure sports but were previously held back by financial constraints.
• For Foreign Mountaineers — The additional state-level fees previously charged to international climbers have been completely waived. Foreign expeditions will now only need to pay the fees prescribed by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), New Delhi. This is expected to significantly boost Uttarakhand’s appeal on the international stage and attract more foreign expeditions.
• Application Process — All expeditions must now be applied for through the online Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System (UKMPS) portal. This transparent, fast, and coordinated digital system ensures quick approvals, with the entire process—from application and document verification to sanction—handled seamlessly online.

This decision goes beyond just promoting mountaineering. It will invigorate tourism activities in border villages, creating new employment opportunities for locals as guides, porters, homestay operators, transporters, and providers of other services. In Uttarakhand’s remote areas, where unemployment remains a major challenge, this initiative will open fresh avenues for livelihood generation. At the same time, it will carve out a distinct identity for Uttarakhand on the global adventure tourism map.

On this occasion, Tourism Secretary Dhiraj  Garbyal stated, “Uttarakhand’s Himalayas are not merely a symbol of natural beauty but a vibrant center of courage, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Opening these 83 major peaks for mountaineering will elevate adventure tourism to new global heights. This is a milestone in inspiring youth, strengthening the local economy, and ensuring environmentally balanced development. The state government is fully committed to responsible, safe, and sustainable mountaineering.”

The Uttarakhand government has emphasized that strict adherence to safety standards and environmental regulations is mandatory during expeditions. Teams must follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle, carry back all waste, and cause no harm to biodiversity. In view of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, compliance with IMF guidelines is compulsory for all expeditions.

Complementing this state-level push, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 the development of ecologically sustainable mountain trails in hilly states including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. These trails, designed for trekking, hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding, will further enhance world-class adventure experiences while prioritizing environmental protection.

The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and the state government extend a warm welcome to mountaineers from India and abroad to conquer these magnificent Himalayan summits. This initiative will not only open new doors to thrill and adventure but also elevate Uttarakhand’s legacy of courage to unprecedented heights.